Ask Dr. Paola- Degenerative Myelopathy, Food Recalls & Excessive Licking (April 7, 2025)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our readers better understand their dog’s health and well-being.

Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned dog lover, Dr. Paola is here to provide answers to your most pressing questions. From nutrition tips and preventive care to troubleshooting common behavioral issues, Dr. Paola is ready to offer insights that will keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Stay tuned for expert guidance on a range of topics that matter most to you and your dog, so you can make informed decisions and provide the best possible care for your canine companion. ‎Have‎ a ‎question? Send it in here!

Help! My Dog has Degenerative Myelopathy

“Dear Dr. Paola,

Dallas was diagnosed with Degenerative myelopathy almost a year ago. He is really starting to struggle with his back legs, and he is falling a lot. What can I do to help him?” – Barbara

Hi Barbara,

Thank you for reaching out and for caring so deeply for Dallas. Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is such a heartbreaking condition to witness, as it slowly chips away at a dog’s mobility while they remain mentally bright and engaged. It’s incredibly difficult watching a beloved friend trapped in a body that’s no longer cooperating. The good news is that there are ways you can support Dallas’s quality of life and help him remain comfortable and active for as long as possible.

At this stage, when weakness and falls become more frequent, assistive devices can make a significant difference. A well-fitted rear support harness allows you to help Dallas walk with more stability especially when going outside for toileting or navigating slippery floors. Some dogs also benefit from using a wheelchair or cart, which helps take the weight off their hind end and allows them to continue exploring their world with a bit of independence. You can give some of these DIY wheelchair projects a try.

Inside the house, yoga mats or rubber runners can create safe paths that minimize slipping. Physical therapy or hydrotherapy can help maintain muscle tone, support circulation, and slow down further decline, almost like physiotherapy for humans with spinal issues.

Although there’s no cure for DM, the goal now is to preserve comfort and dignity. You might also consider working with a veterinarian who offers integrative care, including acupuncture or laser therapy, as some dogs find these therapies helpful in maintaining strength and comfort. If you’re ever uncertain about how to best support Dallas day to day, a tele-triage consultation can help guide decisions without requiring a trip to the clinic, especially if mobility is limited. You’re clearly doing everything you can to make his days brighter, and that love and your support and presence mean more to him than anything. Thank you for being a loving pet parent!

Sincerely,
Dr. Paola

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Help! My Dogs’ Food Has Been Recalled!

“Hi Dr. Paola,

I’ve been buying Carna4 dog food for a while for my dogs Emmy and Tazie from a Seller in PA and recently off Amazon. No one notified us that the products were recalled. That is not right, we have been feeding our dogs this dog food along with their home-cooked meal.

What are the health dangers we now need to be aware of? Whose responsibility is it to notify buyers when dangers exist in any “healthy” foods made for humans and our dear fur babies? Should I throw out our latest bag of Duck, Liver, Eggs, and Sprouted Seeds? We live in a buyer beware world; I didn’t see this coming! “ – Donna

Hi Donna,

I completely understand your frustration and concern when we choose a commercially available dog food, we expect transparency and safety, especially when it comes to our dogs’ well-being. Emmy and Tazie are lucky to have someone so proactive and tuned into their care.

To my knowledge, Carna4 has never had a recall, and none have been reported by the FDA. That said, if you heard this from a reliable source, it’s important to determine exactly why the product was pulled. Some recalls are precautionary, such as minor quality concerns, while others are based on confirmed risks due to potential contamination (like Salmonella or mold) and with confirmed cases. The latter ones require immediate action, like pulling them off the shelves.

In general, recalls are issued through coordination with the FDA, and manufacturers are expected to notify retailers, distributors, and, ideally, the public. Unfortunately, not all online retailers or third-party sellers are diligent in passing that information along, which can leave pet parents in the dark. When a recall is announced, particularly if there’s any risk of illness, it’s safest to stop feeding the affected product immediately and monitor your pets for any unusual signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or appetite changes. Even if Emmy and Tazie seem fine, it’s a good idea to notify your veterinarian and keep the packaging or batch number handy in case follow-up testing is needed.

As for responsibility, both the manufacturer and the seller share the ethical obligation to notify consumers, but the reality is, especially in an online marketplace, that follow-through is often inconsistent. In cases like this, it’s always safest to err on the side of caution and discontinue the food until you’ve verified that the batch is not included in the recall. I encourage you to report any concerns directly to the FDA’s pet food complaint portal—they do take consumer reports seriously, and your voice helps advocate not just for your dogs but for others too. By the way, did you know that Dogster sends official recall alerts to your email? You can sign up, and you will get an email whenever a dog’s food has a recall issued. I hope this helps!

Dr. Paola

Help! My Dog Obsessively Licks His Paws!

“Hi Dr. Paola,

My dog Morty obsessively licks his paws and me, especially my hands, arms, legs, and feet. He seems upset when I tell him to stop. Is this anxiety? Should I make him stop or just let him do it? “ – Heather

Hi Heather,
Thank you for sharing this about Morty. It sounds like he’s a very affectionate soul, but I understand how the constant licking can raise questions and even become overwhelming at times. When dogs repeatedly lick their paws or their humans, it’s often more than just grooming or affection, it can be a sign of an underlying emotional or physical need.

Licking can serve as a self-soothing behavior, similar to how some people bite their nails when anxious. If Morty seems distressed when you interrupt him, anxiety could certainly be playing a role. Separation-related stress, boredom, or even a history of reinforcement (where the licking may have once been rewarded with attention can all contribute. However, it’s also important to rule out physical causes. Paw licking, in particular, may stem from allergies, irritation, or discomfort. Dogs with environmental allergies often show signs through their skin and paws, and in some cases, it becomes a cycle: itch leads to licking, which leads to more irritation. If his paws look red, swollen, or stained from saliva, it’s worth having your veterinarian examine him.

Rather than scolding him, which can create confusion or add to stress, try redirecting his energy in ways that meet his emotional and physical needs; for example, give him a puzzle toy, a frozen lick mat, or engage him in calm training sessions that use positive reinforcement. You’re right to pause and wonder whether to allow the behavior or not, and the best path forward is usually one of compassionate redirection. If anxiety is suspected but not extreme, a consultation through a tele-triage service can help guide you on simple, supportive interventions before moving on to a full behavioral consult. You’re already doing right by Morty by observing and asking the right questions; sometimes our dogs communicate in licks what they can’t say in words. Good luck!

Dr. Paola